Agustawestland Philadelphia Co AW119MKII N281MC accident near Canandaigua, New York

Probable cause

The pilot’s excessive descent rate during the final approach for landing and his delayed recovery attempt, resulting in a hard landing.

NTSB analysis

The helicopter pilot and two medical crewmembers were returning to base at night after completing a patient drop-off at a nearby hospital. The takeoff and cruise portions of the flight were routine. Approaching the landing zone while using night vision goggles, the pilot allowed the helicopter pitch to increase while at a low engine power demand, resulting in the helicopter entering a rapid descent. Recorded flight data showed a late attempt to recover; however, the helicopter struck the ground hard at a descent rate greater than 600 ft/minute, lunged forward, and spun to the right about 220° before coming to a stop. The helicopter was substantially damaged, and the two medical crewmembers had minor injuries; the pilot was unhurt.

An examination of the wreckage after the accident did not reveal evidence of a mechanical malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation. No crew alerting system (CAS) messages were received before impact, and the engine continued to operate after the helicopter came to a rest.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA24LA387 for the full record.